BY THEMBA ZWANE
EZULWINI – Government has expressed profound gratitude to the governments of Tanzania and Rwanda for their invaluable technical assistance in strengthening Eswatini’s public financial management systems, saying their support has accelerated the country’s financial and digital transformation agenda.
Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg made the remarks while officially opening the Review Meeting of African Accountants General at Happy Valley Hotel, where he highlighted the role of continental partnerships in advancing fiscal integrity, accountability and good governance across Africa.
Addressing distinguished accountants general, senior government officials and delegates from across the continent, Rijkenberg said Eswatini’s progress in modernising its public finance systems had largely been made possible through collaboration with fellow African nations.
“We are deeply grateful that you have chosen to journey to our Kingdom to deliberate on matters that are fundamental to the progress and prosperity of our continent. Your presence here is a powerful demonstration of our collective commitment to fiscal integrity and good governance,” he said.
The minister said Eswatini was particularly grateful to Tanzania for its steadfast support in guiding the country’s transition towards the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), which seek to align government financial reporting with internationally accepted best practices.
“I wish to extend our sincere thanks to the Government of Tanzania for their steadfast support in guiding our transition towards the adoption of IPSAS. Your expertise has been instrumental in helping us align our financial reporting with global best practices, enhancing the credibility and comparability of our public accounts,” he said.
Rijkenberg further commended Rwanda for its generous technical assistance in the development of Eswatini’s Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS), describing the partnership as a key driver of the country’s digital transformation efforts.
“I also wish to express our deep appreciation to the Government of Rwanda for their generous assistance in the development of our Integrated Financial Management Information System. Your experience and technical know-how have accelerated our digital transformation journey, enabling us to enhance efficiency, transparency and real-time oversight of public finances,” he added.
The minister noted that collaboration within the African Association of Accountants General (AAAG) had enabled member states to share expertise and adopt innovative approaches to public financial management.
He also acknowledged the contribution of continental institutions and development partners, including AFRSAI and AFRITAC, which have supported initiatives aimed at professionalising the accountancy cadre across Africa through programmes such as the African Professionalisation Initiative.
According to Rijkenberg, meetings of accountants general go beyond technical deliberations and serve as important platforms for building leadership capacity among public finance professionals, who play a critical role in safeguarding public resources.
“Public trust rests on our collective ability to demonstrate prudence, honesty and accountability,” he said.
The minister further revealed that Eswatini is making significant strides towards professionalising its accountancy profession through strategic partnerships facilitated by the Eswatini Institute of Accountants. The institute has entered into collaborations with the Zambia Institute of Accountants and Tanzania’s National Board of Accountants and Auditors to enable public accountants to attain the prestigious Certified Public Accountant (CPA) qualification.
He said the initiative would strengthen accountability and transparency within the public sector while ensuring that government accountants uphold the highest professional standards.
“By professionalising our cadre, we are building a resilient public financial management system that can withstand the tests of time and scrutiny,” Rijkenberg said.
He concluded by emphasising that the reforms being undertaken in Eswatini are a direct result of the partnerships and collaborations cultivated through the African Association of Accountants General, which continues to provide member states with a platform to learn from one another and collectively advance sound financial governance across the continent.
This article adopts the requested angle while incorporating the broader context of Eswatini’s ongoing public financial management reforms and continental cooperation.
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(Courtesy Pic)
